Public Statements

Matheson Supports Sportsmen's Bill

Press Release

Congressman Jim Matheson voted for legislation that requires hunting and recreational shooting and fishing be recognized activities on all U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. Matheson supported the bipartisan Sportsmen's Heritage Act of 2012 (H.R. 4089).

"This is vital to preserving the Utah heritage of recreational hunting, fishing and shooting activities on our public lands. In the West, we've seen firsthand how sportsmen contribute to the economy, particularly in rural areas. Access to public lands by Utahns and visitors alike is important to increasing those tourism dollars," said Matheson.

Matheson said the bill requires BLM and US Forest Service, in cooperation with relevant state authorities, to facilitate access for federal lands and waters for hunting, fishing and recreational shooting. Under the bill, federal lands managed by those agencies would be considered open, unless they are specifically closed by an agency.

Matheson said it is supported by more than 35 national sportsmen's organizations, including the Mule Deer Foundation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Ducks Unlimited.